​Executive Summary​

The above table serves as a snapshot of the typical factors that impact ridership, and illustrates the differences which exist between the current month and the same month in the previous year. If a change occurred, it is categorized to represent a (typically) positive, negative or neutral impact on ridership. More details on the observed impacts are noted in the description of ridership results below. ​

​Local Network Overview

Local Bus

Monthly Total

There were 4,809K boardings in February 2017 compared to 4,908K in February 2016, a decrease of -99K boardings (or two percent decrease) on local bus service. The calendar mix of one less weekday due to 2017 being a non-leap year contributed to ridership loss. There was significant rainfall on February 14 and February 20, 2017 which contributed to a ridership loss as well. Continued economic downturn in the Houston area also contributed to the ridership loss.

​Light Rail

Monthly Total

There were 1,698K boardings on all three light rail lines in February 2017, compared to 1,567K boardings in February 2016, an increase of 131K boardings (or 8 percent increase). Green and Purple line ridership increased by 109% and 44% respectively, while Red line ridership increased by slightly less than 1% in February 2017 compared to February 2016. There were two additional factors which contributed to a ridership increase. First, the Green line was extended to Magnolia Park Transit Center on February 11, 2017. Second, there was an increase in ridership between February 1 and February 5 associated with Super Bowl LI. Finally, although the Red Line showed an increase in ridership, the continued economic downturn in the Houston area was a contributing factor to its lower ridership gain relative to Green and Purple lines.

Average Daily Ridership: Weekday / Saturday / Sunday

Average daily ridership on Weekday, Saturday, and Sunday all increased in February 2017 compared to February 2016. Weekday average daily ridership increased by 1K boardings (or 2 percent increase); Saturday average daily ridership increased by 4K (or 12 percent increase); Sunday average daily ridership increased by 3K boardings (or 13 percent increase). As stated in the paragraph above, the Green line was extended to Magnolia Park Transit Center on January 11, 2017, resulting in two additional stations and making February the first full reporting month for the two additional stations.

Total Local Network

Monthly Total

There were 6,507K boardings in February 2017 compared to 6,475K in February 2016, an increase of 32K boardings (or 1 percent increase).

​Commuter Network Overview

Park & Ride

Monthly Total

There were 644K Park & Ride boardings in February 2017 compared to 719K boardings in February 2016, a decrease of -74K boardings (or 10 percent decrease).

Average Daily Ridership: Weekday

Average weekday ridership in February 2017 was 32K boardings compared to 34K boardings February 2016, a decrease of -2K boardings (or 6 percent decrease). According to the most recent Origin-Destination Survey, 94% of all Park and Ride trips are work-based trips. The increase in unemployment is a major contributor to the decrease in ridership.

Entire Network Summary

Monthly Total

There were 7,152K boardings on the entire fixed-route network in February 2017 compared to 7,194K boardings in February 2016, a decrease of -42K boardings (or 1 percent decrease).